BRUREE FOYNES AUG 2013

 On the 7th. Aug. last, a full bus load of our members set off on our last day trip on this year’s Social Calendar. This time, we ventured further afield into the picturesque Co.Limerick

With Jimmy Lyons as chief commanding officer, guide and organiser and after much pouring over maps, routes and timetables, our trip began at 9.30 (sharp)

The detour outside Portumna upset our timetable somewhat but the blue skies and sunshine added to the good mood of the day.

First stop was at Finnegan’s in Limerick for a welcome tea/coffee/scone break. Then we were on way to visit the De Valera Museum and Heritage centre in Bruree. Here, we watched a very interesting film about the life and times of De Valera before going to see the house where he lived. It was a nice way to brush up on our History which we learned in school had mostly forgotten)
It was back on the coach then to continue our travels to Foynes which was the centre of the aviation world 1937 – 45. On arrival, we were served with beautiful home-made soup and brown bread before we began our tour of the Museum with its comprehensive range of exhibitions, airline memorabilia and uniforms from that era. The famous flying boats were frequent visitors to Foynes, carrying a diverse range of people from celebrities to refugees. We watched ,with interest, the award winning film “Atlantic Conquest” which has been compiled from original footage. We excitedly boarded the only Boeing 314 replica in the world. After all this excitement, we were each served an Irish Coffee which was invented in Foynes in 1943. Ann Duffy was a fast learner as she took part in the demonstration on how to make the perfect Irish Coffee. Our visit here was the highlight of our day so reluctantly our tired and hungry gang set out on the last leg of our journey to Oranmore where we enjoyed a magnificent four course meal in the “Coach House” A good time was had by all. Thanks to all who helped to organise this trip ,especially Jimmy Lyons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foynes

 

 

 

Many thanks to Chris O'Fylnn for her usual comprehensive and entertaining report of the days outing

Knitting Circle 2013

 Our Knitting Circle                                                                                                                          Members of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Knitting Circle once again excelled themselves in the amount of garments and knitted toys they produced for the much deserving orphanage in Belarus.     It was indeed a great occasion when Pat Dillon and his team came to collect them. Also joining in were some of the children, who were spending holidays here with families in Ballinasloe. It was sad to see the children return to the orphanage but they really enjoyed the few weeks they spent here.  New members are always welcome in the Knitting Circle, which was founded by Margaret McDonnell. We now have over 20 members and meet each Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon throughout the year for a most enjoyable 2 hours together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portumna & Killaloe Outing July 2013

                     Our trip to Portumna Workhouse and Killaloe, 3rd July 2013


One again the sun shone for us as 53 members headed off for a visit to our neighbouring counties of Tipperary and Clare.

Our first stop was at Portumna workhouse which has recently been restored and well worth a visit.
The tour of the workhouse was a stark reminder of the poverty , starvation  and dreadful conditions that existed in Ireland during the years of the famine..Whole families were split up, never to see each other again. They slept on straw mattresses covered in rough rags.

It was a sad and depressing time in Irish history. We came away with a feeling of gratitude for the lifestyle we enjoy to-day.

We continued on our journey to the two picturesque villages of Ballina and Killaloe, the seat of Ireland’s High Kings for over a century . The most famous of these Kings was Brian Boru.

Then  we boarded the “Spirit of Killaloe”  which awaited us. We enjoyed an hour long cruise of the Shannon’s pleasure lake, Lough Derg.

We were now beginning to feel some hunger pangs, so it was regretfully time to leave the many lovely sights which Ballina/Killaloe had to offer and head west along the scenic route by the shores of Lough Derg to Nenagh and then on to the “Thatch” in Ballycommon. We enjoyed a fantastic 4 course dinner . The musical entertainment which followed was a lovely way to finish off a perfect day.

Chris O'Flynn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

'In vacant or in pensive mood'

 

 

 

 

Many thanks to Chris for words and pictures

of her beautiful home county of Tipperary

 

 

Digital Photos

                   
I am now trying out a method of downloading photos from digital cameras                                                                                                                                                          
If you have an interesting photo please bring the camera to any of our  meetings                                                                                                                                                                                
I will download the photo directly to the A.R.A. computer,  it can then be stored or used in future articles.


Previously photos had to be downloaded to a computer and then sent by e-mail to ballinasloeactive@gmail.com                                                                                                                             
This method should encourage more members to use and share their photos and memories. .

Doug.

A.I.T. INTERNATIONAL INDOOR ARENA VISIT June 2013

 

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   A Walk at the Athlone Institute of Technology

 

 

          A grey blanket of damp cloud hung over Ballinasloe as the B.A.R.A. walkers prepared for their usual Tuesday morning walk .       But this was no ordinary Tuesday!    Jimmy Lyons had arranged a visit to the A.I.T. International Indoor Arena at the college complex in Athlone.... the first of its kind in Ireland ! 

With military precision the cavalcade of sensible cars, some even the proud wearers of tow-bars, emerged from the damp carpark of the Fair Green, and led by our Chef d'equipe,     we headed east, where the wise men came from and left the lonesome west behind.    Some mavericks attempted to strike out on an independent forray ,but were quickly restrained.   At 1100 hours we slyly slipped off the M6 at th Birr/Athlone exit, and craftily made our way to gravelled carpark within the campus.    "No Parking Tickets needed here ", group leader announced to his relieved troops.

        Out of the shadows our tropical guide Dermot appeared and warmly welcomed us . Logistics reported no loss of vehicle or personnel, and so our visit began.

       What a visit it was! The new Indoor Arena is a wonder... an example of what can be done when the correct people are in charge.  The warm colourful arena with acres of light is worth seeing.  It is no wonder Eamon Coughlan said that his only regret was that he would never break a world record on it !  For most of us it was a reminder of how things have changed for the better , and perhaps made us slightly jealous that we somehow belonged to the wrong generation.   Still , no sour grapes .  The younger generation are, and will continue to make excellent use of the facility.     Olive and Julie ran a full lap.... no bother! Everyone completed the usual walk, but most preferred the flat to the banked area.

        Then from nowhere, the college president , the man responsible for the project appeared to greet us and remind us of of the work Jimmy Lyons had done for athletics over the last 50 years .   It was good to hear this from an outsider.   Very often we do not appreciate the prophet among us.     Then Photo calls were arranged with the Malaysian Ambassador, the Malayasian Head of Education.   Charming and gracious they posed for shots which included the National Champion, John Travers, a Gold scholarship athletic student at A.I.T.

        Eventually after a question and answer session , we hungrily made our way to the college canteen, with its many located dining areas.   An impressive multi-choice menu was carefully examined and Antonio got more salmon than she bargained for.   Noelle as usual played mother and picked up the tab !

       The day was one to remember.   Sadly we wound our way over the Shannon through showers of soft summer rain, back to the west, where young men went to seek their fortune ..... but not recently.

Report from special agent  J*HN  B*L*ND